Introduction

• Indian society is an exemplification of multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-ideological constructs, which co-exist, at once striving to strike harmony and also to retain its individuality.

• Based on the generous concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam (the world is one family), Indian society possess a great cultural heritage. During the course of its evolution, it has accommodated and integrated many communities and their ways of life from time to time.

Characteristics of Indian Society

• Cultural diversity: The co-existence of multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-caste groups within the border of India.
• For instance, around 1600 languages are spoken across the country.

• Accommodative society: India has experienced various invasions in its history. However, she had never lost her own charm while accommodating others.
• Caste system: Social hierarchical structure which is a significant feature of Indian society. It differentiates people
  based on birth, occupation and social status. Its influence still persists in modern Indian society.
• Joint family system: Co-existence of several generations under one roof, has been a traditional feature of India.
  According to sociologist A M Shah, joint-ness within the family still strive in modern Indian society.
• Family values: Indian society places a significant emphasis on respect for elders. The elderly are considered a source of wisdom and experience, and it is customary to seek their advice and care for them in their old age. For instance, ‘touching the feet’ of elders is a sign of respect.
• Patriarchy and gender roles: Indian society is a patriarchal society with distinct gender roles and expectations.
  Though various efforts have been taken against gender inequality, gender disparity and challenges to women still
  persist.
• Co-existence of Religions: India is the birthplace of religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. They preach tolerance and respect in society.
• Spiritual Society: Religion and spirituality play a central role in the lives of many Indians, influencing their values,
  rituals, and daily practices. For example, Shastra Puja of Rafael’s.
• Co-existence of Individualism and collectivism: Individualism emphasizes human independence, self-reliance and liberty, while collectivism prioritizes a group. For example, constitutional values of secularism, and liberty as
  enshrined in the Preamble.

Features of Indian Society

Caste System

• Caste is a hereditary, endogamous group with a common name, occupation, culture, mobility, and status, relatively
  rigid in matters of mobility, the distinctiveness of status, and forming a single homogenous community.
• The word refers to a broad institutional arrangement that in Indian languages is referred to by two distinct terms:
  • Varna is the four-fold division of society into Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra, while Jati is a generic term referring to species.

Changes in the Caste system

• Rise in inter-caste marriage: Inter-caste marriages on Western models have become more common in recent years
  due to economic and social necessity.

• Decline in Brahmin supremacy: The power of the Brahmins rapidly waned as a result of the secularisation and
  westernisation processes, and they lost the traditional respect and esteem in society.
• Emergence of dominant caste: Which changing social caste equations, a few castes are emerging as dominant castes, and they play a crucial role in politics. For example, the Jats of Haryana, the Yadavs of Bihar, and the Marathas of Maharashtra.
• Changes in commensality: People are no longer restricted to their original locations. Due to their migration, it is
  quite challenging to adhere to the rules regarding their eating habits.
• Changes in occupation: Occupational mobility has become the new feature. Leaving behind their traditional roles, Brahmins have become traders whereas Vaishyas have joined teaching and so on.
• Improvement in the position of lower caste: Due to steps initiated by the government, position of lower castes have improved economically as well as socially.

Factors Affecting the Changes in Caste System

• Sanskritization: Low castes attempt to raise their social status by adopting the rituals and practices of higher castes, such as vegetarianism and teetotalism, to claim a higher position in the caste hierarchy.

• Westernisation: People adapted to Western culture due to advancements in education, food habits, dressing sense, and manners.
• Modernisation: Modernisation has caused the caste system to become more flexible due to its scientific outlook,
  rational attitudes, industrialisation, urbanisation, high standard of living, and a broad viewpoint.
• Emergence Dominant caste: Dominant castes are the main power-holder. They have acquired considerable
  economic, political and social power and become dominant in their regions. For example, Jats, Yadavs, Marathas, etc.
• Industrialisation and urbanization: Migration has increased due to the growth of industrial towns and cities, with
  fewer caste rules.
• Caste and politics: Lower castes have been empowered through elections and power lobbying, allowing them to
  express their feelings. Caste has become a prime factor in politics.
• Legislative measures: Social legislation have been introduced to protect marginalised sections of society, eradicate untouchability, and promote social and economic development.

A Paradox In The Present Caste System

Read Also: The Persistent Caste-Based Violence in India